Johnson City, Tenn. (August 27, 2002) - The Southern Conference has released its annual pre-season coaches poll for the upcoming 2002 men's and women's cross country season. East Tennessee State received two first place votes on the men's side, but was collectively picked to finish third place with 72 total points behind Chattanooga (72) and Appalachian State (89). On the women's side, ETSU garnered one first place vote, but was picked to place seventh overall behind Davidson (66) with 62 points.
Appalachian State will attempt to repeat as the men's team champion after winning the triple-crown in 2001-02, winning conference titles in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. However, the Buccaneers have some great talent returning this year including Brad Yewer (Newbury, England), the 2001 Freshman of the Year, and hope to be contenders by the time the conference championships roll around on Nov. 2 in Charleston, S.C.
Chattanooga's women's team earned some respect for the start of 2002 after winning the women's SoCon championship in 2001. The Mocs received seven first place votes and 103 points overall to edge Appalachian State (100). Bucs head coach Dave Walker and assistant coach Michelle Byrne have hit the trails hard in the offseason recruiting arguably some of the best athletes ETSU has signed in recent years. ETSU will be young on the women's side, but both coaches expect East Tennessee State to make a bid for the top half of the conference.
Both the men's and women's teams will see their first action on Sept. 7, when ETSU travels to Western Carolina for the annual Catamount Classic.
2002 Men's Cross Country Poll
1. Appalachian State (8) 89
2. Chattanooga 73
3. EAST TENNESSEE STATE 72 (2)
4. Western Carolina 71
5. UNC Greensboro 57
6. Furman 54
7. Davidson 45
8. The Citadel 33
9. VMI 27
10. College of Charleston 20
11. Wofford 10
2002 Women's Cross Country Poll
1. Chattanooga (7) 103
2. Appalachian State (2) 100
3. Western Carolina 91 (1)
4. UNC Greensboro 76
5. Furman 75
6. Davidson 66
7. EAST TENNESSEE STATE(1) 62
8. College of Charleston 43
9. VMI 35
10. Georgia Southern 33
11. The Citadel 32
12. Wofford 15